Chapter 381: Chapter 381: The Sudden Kiss_1

The air seemed to congeal.

Everyone’s beliefs were completely overturned.

One was a scumbag who had just publicly rejected his infatuated ex-girlfriend, and the other was Quella Radcliffe, a goddess-level figure from Gonzalez City.

These two people could not be connected in any way,

but now, they had become a couple.

“Hah! I understand.” Bran Cook sneered coldly, looking at Quella Radcliffe, “Miss Radcliffe, my affection for you is sincere. You don’t have to choose such a scumbag as a shield just because you rejected me.”

He subconsciously believed that it was his own words and actions that had provoked Quella Radcliffe, and that she had chosen to be with Amos Davenport out of spite.

Besides that, he could find no other reason to explain why the normally rational Quella Radcliffe would accept this scumbag in public.

Once he thought it through, Bran Cook wasn’t so surprised any longer.

It was within the bounds of reason, yet beyond his expectations.

To cut off his own thoughts, she would actually be with a scumbag?

Although it was just a shield, for Bran Cook, who prided himself on his mental purity, it was still unacceptable.

He couldn’t tolerate Quella Radcliffe being with another man, not even in name!

“I have not.”

Quella Radcliffe looked at Bran Cook with a polite smile, “I am aware of Young Master Cook’s intentions, and now I will clearly tell you, the man I like is right here before me.”

Her gaze was firm, and if not for Bran Cook guessing the reason, he almost believed her.

“Hehe, President Radcliffe, are you really willing to debase yourself and ruin your reputation for this? Today, in front of everyone here, I will ask you one more time.” Bran Cook’s face lost its previous smile and he spoke seriously, “As long as you’re willing to be my woman, I guarantee that no one present will bother the Radcliffe Group again. Moreover, within a month, I will revive the Radcliffe Group from death!”

“There are so many people here, all listening clearly, I just want one promise from you—to be my woman!”

Bran Cook said, in a very masculine manner.

His declaration made Itai Huntington, who had been silent, feel somewhat impressed.

It was about time to be forthright, and avoid the sneaky tricks.

“I think you’re mistaken.” Facing such a forceful confession, Quella Radcliffe shook her head and said, “I will do my best to save the Radcliffe Group, and if it truly goes bankrupt in the end, then I will have done my best. I am willing to accept the consequences.”

She turned to Julius Reed, “I agreed to be with him, just as I said before. He is an open and upright man, a gentleman of integrity.”

“Miss Radcliffe, you don’t have to…”

As Bran Cook sneered, Quella Radcliffe suddenly embraced Julius Reed and gently kissed him on the lips.

Bran Cook swallowed back the words he was halfway through saying.

He stood frozen in place, feeling as if the world was spinning around him.

Itai Huntington, who was closest to the pair, was equally shocked when she saw Quella Radcliffe passionately kissing Julius Reed.

Known as the deadly widow, she had weathered countless storms, even frequent brushes with death.

But now, she found the situation utterly unbelievable for the first time.

Completely and utterly unbelievable.

Quella Radcliffe really kissed Julius Reed—it wasn’t fake.

It couldn’t get any realer.

The rich heirs at the party stood with their mouths agape, holding their breath while holding their wine glasses.

Even now, they couldn’t believe that the always cold Quella Radcliffe would take the initiative to kiss a man.

And such a total scumbag at that!

Their hearts were nearly shattered!

Why? Why could such a scumbag win a beauty’s favor, while they couldn’t even get a glance from Quella Radcliffe?

Bran Cook felt a spasmodic pain in his chest; he stepped back and leaned against the wall, his eyebrows tightly furrowed.

For the first time in many years, he experienced a sense of defeat!

Indifference!

Rage!

And hatred!

Everything was prepared by him, even the flowers in Quella Radcliffe’s hand were intended as a tool for his confession.

But now, it all tuned out to be making wedding dresses for others!

He was left with nothing, all his efforts wasted!

He found himself ridiculous, still thinking that Quella Radcliffe wanted a shield!

According to everyone’s understanding of President Radcliffe, a shield doesn’t deserve that kiss.

Meaning, everything was real.

To the greatest surprise, was the person involved, Julius Reed.

Three years, almost four now!

The closest they got was holding hands!

And now, Quella Radcliffe’s first kiss!

Julius Reed felt a rush of hormones, which was not embarrassing for a freak who had lived for ten thousand years.

He tried to respond, and Quella Radcliffe immediately moved away from his lips, her complexion flushed, her eyes carrying a hint of resentment.

“We’ll talk when we get back.”

Quella Radcliffe’s voice was barely audible, combined with her blushing cheeks, it told everyone.

She was serious!

“You lost, Bran Cook.”

Itai Huntington clapped her hands, smiling at Julius Reed: “Sister underestimates you. But be careful with Miss Radcliffe, I suddenly realize I’ve started to like a jerk too. Maybe one day you’re working overtime, and I’ll sneak into your house and have a taste of this jerk!”

Her lips curled into a flirtatious smile.

“You’re welcome to try, but I’m confident she won’t be into you. Who would trade delicacies for street food?”

Quella Radcliffe retorted without any politeness.

Everyone feared Itai Huntington, not her!

Julius Reed was her husband, and if any woman dared to seduce him, she, the rightful owner, would certainly not be courteous.

“Heh, we’ll see about that!” Itai Huntington raised an eyebrow, suddenly getting competitive with Quella Radcliffe.

This exchange was a clash of titans, as Quella Radcliffe directly likened Itai Huntington to street food, which was an insult.

An unabashed insult.

In front of so many people, no less.

And Itai Huntington’s challenge was a direct declaration of war against Quella Radcliffe—a war waged by women’s methods!

“Anytime!” Quella Radcliffe was not intimidated.

Everyone held their breath, not daring to speak.

This gathering had too many big events for one night!

“Since… since Miss Radcliffe now has a boyfriend, I don’t need to think too much anymore.” Bran Cook, ever the standout among men, adjusted his emotions in just a few minutes.

“I have decided to acquire Radcliffe Group, and the brothers here will also support me! Since President Radcliffe is here, you’d better be prepared.”

He looked at Quella Radcliffe, the ambiguity in his eyes replaced with a killing intent.

“Within a week, I’ll render Radcliffe Group bankrupt, and if I can’t do it in seven days, I’ll kneel and offer you a toast right here in this club!”

Once he said this, there was no turning back.

With Bran Cook’s strength and connections at present, accomplishing this was as easy as turning his hand.

The rest who were still hesitant could now join in without worry.

“I look forward to it!” Quella Radcliffe faced Bran Cook’s stare with fearlessness.

“Indeed, you’ve got spirit!” Bran Cook nodded in approval: “Then, we’ll see.”

“Great! I’ll take my leave!”

Quella Radcliffe took Julius Reed by the hand, heading towards the exit.

“Hold on, I’ve invited a key guest today. Would Miss Radcliffe mind to hear how I plan to take over your company?” Bran Cook said coldly from behind.